The Dallas Mavericks' only loss in their last nine games came against the Los Angeles Lakers just over a week ago.

The Mavericks look to avenge that loss in Los Angeles, where they have won just nine times in 54 games all-time.

Devin Harris and Josh Howard combined for 14 fourth-quarter points as the Mavericks extended their winning streak to three games with a 102-95 win Sunday over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dallas made 11-of-16 shots the final 12 minutes, outscoring Minnesota 35-29.

``Devin makes a lot of things happen for us,'' said Dirk Nowitzki, who had 19 points, seven rebounds and a season-high four blocked shots. ``He's a great finisher. He's going to be our point guard of the future. I like the way he's progressing.''

Harris, who is averaging 12.0 points this season, has averaged 14.8 points while scoring in double figures in nine straight games. Howard has averaged 20.7 points since the loss to the Lakers, making 24-of-42 (57.1 percent) of his shots from the field.

Dallas, which lost 109-106 on Dec. 12 to the Lakers, has enjoyed some success at Los Angeles after more than a decade of misery. The Mavericks have won two of their last three games there after a 26-game road losing streak from Dec. 12, 1990-Dec. 12, 2003.

The Lakers failed to build on the momentum of their recently completed road trip with a 76-74 home loss Sunday to the Houston Rockets. Los Angeles, which went 5-1 on the trip, shot just 35 percent from the field and had an inexcusable breakdown in the closing seconds that led to Tracy McGrady's winning basket for Houston.

``They had a full clock to work with, and we stood there and watched McGrady get a layup, which is inexcusable,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. ``Our big guys failed us in that situation when they didn't plug the lane or block the shot.''

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points for the Lakers, who have lost five of their last eight home games.

Bryant was named Western Conference player of the week after averaging 33.8 points to lead the Lakers to a 3-1 record. He is averaging 22.2 points in 30 games against Dallas.

Los Angeles in 24-6 in those games.

STANDINGS: Mavericks - 2nd place, 1 GB, Southwest Division. Lakers - 4th place, 2 1/2 GB, Pacific Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Mavericks - F Howard, F Nowitzki, C Erick Dampier, G Terry, G Adrian Griffin. Lakers - F Brian Cook, F Lamar Odom, C Chris Mihm, G Parker, G Bryant.

TEAM LEADERS: Mavericks - Nowitzki, 26.1 ppg and 9.2 rpg; Terry, 3.8 apg. Lakers - Bryant, 31.3 ppg; Odom, 9.3 rpg and 5.3 apg.

SEASON SERIES: Lakers, 1-0.

LAST MEETING: Dec. 12; Lakers 109-106. At Dallas, Bryant had 43 points and Odom added 15 points with 11 rebounds. Nowitzki had 27 points for the Mavericks, who had their winning streak snapped at five games.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Mavericks - 8-3 on the road; Lakers - 5-6 at home.